Cavaliers' Anthony Bennett improves after getting tonsils removed

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anthony Bennett said getting his tonsils removed in May was key to his improved play during the Las Vegas Summer League.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anthony Bennett said getting his tonsils removed in May was key to his improved play during the Las Vegas Summer League, Basketball Insiders reports.

Bennett struggled with his weight and conditioning as a rookie following offseason shoulder surgery. He averaged 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds last season after being the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

Bennett has slimmed down during the offseason and played better during the Las Vegas Summer League earlier this month, averaging 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds.

He told Basketball Insiders getting his tonsils removed has helped him play better.

“Since [having] my tonsils out, my adenoids, I have a lot more room to breathe,” Bennett said. “It was hard, definitely, with my tonsils in. I feel like taking them out was a huge step.”

Along with fellow No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, Bennett has been rumored to be part of a trade package for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love.

More: Why Cleveland needs to go all-in to acquire Love

- Paul Palladino